To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission how much has been (a) budgeted and (b) spent since April 2008 on security in the Palace of Westminster; and if he will make a statement. (261445)

We currently have actual figures to the end of December 2008.

Between April 2008 and December 2008 the actual spend on the Palace of Westminster security contract (including armed police) was £22,417,500 against a budget of £22,989,900 (an underspend of £572,400). The budget for the full year is £30,902,400. These figures are the total costs for the Palace of Westminster, which are shared between the House of Commons and the House of Lords on a 69 per cent./31 per cent. basis.